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Published on Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Fun Exercises to do with Your Pet!

It's a new year, and staying healthy and fit is on a lot of people's minds. However, going to the gym or a fitness class can get a little mundane.

For that reason, we have put together a list of exercises you can do at home with the cutest workout pawtner - your pet! So get ready to sweat!

 

  1. Wall Sit 
    • Grab your pup's paws so that they are on their hind legs.
    • Put your back against any wall.
    • Slide your back down until you are in a seated position.
    • Put your pup's paws on your knees for extra weight.
    • Hold position for 30 seconds and take a quick break between repetitions. Work up to 1 minute!
    • Remember to breathe!
    • This will work your core and help with your balance as well!
    • For cats or small dogs - Put them in your lap or play with a kitty fishing pole while in position. The movement will make it even more of a challenge!
  2. Front Squat
    • Grab your pup's paws so that they are on their hind legs.
    • Place your feet shoulder width apart and feet facing straight forward. 
    • With your pup's paws in your hands, inhale and bend your knees. Make sure to bend until your legs are slightly less than a 90 degree angle.
    • Also make sure your knees do not go past your feet when you bend. This will cause a lot of stress on your knees and is bad form!
    • Exhale, straighten your legs and come back up.
    • Repeat for 10 repetitions 3 times and increase repetitions to help your legs grow!
    • For cats or small dogs - hug them close to your chest instead. 
  3. Lunges
    • Put your pup on a leash and hold it in your hand.
    • Go to a large open area or room and start near the wall.
    • Place your feet shoulder-width apart.
    • Step forward with one leg, feel the stretch in your legs and flex your knees. Lower the knee on the back leg until it's almost touching the ground. 
    • Keep back straight and don't let your knee go past your foot.
    • Use your front foot's heel to push back up and walk your back leg next to your other leg in the starting position.
    • Repeat with the other side and go back and forth from one side of the room to the other for 10 repetitions 3 times.
    • Your pup will have fun watching you and walking by your side for support!
  4. Push-ups
    • If you're outside, loop your dog's leash around your wrist.
    • Get on the floor in plank position - face down, toes holding your lower body up, and hands holding your upper body up. Make sure your back is straight!
    • Lower your body by bending your elbows 90 degrees and keep your head facing the ground.
    • Straighten arms as you push back up and repeat for 10 repetitions. 
    • Your dog or cat will love to smell your hair, lay next to you, or even crawl under you

​Yoga stretches, running, jogging, and hiking are other great ways to make sure you and your pet are staying fit! Try some of these and let us know how they worked out for you!

Categories: Animal Care Services, Blog

 
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